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SACP leader Blade Nzimande speaking to SABC News.
The South African Communist Party (SACP) insists its decision to contest the 2026 local government elections (LGE) independently does not amount to a withdrawal from the Tripartite Alliance.
The party’s National Chairperson Blade Nzimande says while the SACP has exercised its right as an independent party, it remains committed to continued engagement with the African National Congress (ANC).
Speaking to the SABC, Nzimande acknowledged the move presents serious challenges for alliance cohesion but says discussions are ongoing to prevent a breakdown in relations.
He adds the decision has placed renewed pressure on alliance partners to re-examine how they operate in a post-1994 political environment.
“We are an independent organisation but there’s always been an emphasis, if and when we do that, we would still not like to see the alliance coming apart, which is the challenge now that we are actually dealing with, that the SACP has taken this decision. But, we have committed ourselves to the ANC and to the alliance that we need to have ongoing discussions, even at this time,” says Nzimande.
Video| Blade Nzimande speaks to SABC News on various issues including his readiness to retire:
